The sacrifice of Abel (plate 1 from The Story of Cain and Abel)
Medium
Engraving
Dimensions
Sheet: 8 1/8 × 11 3/16 in. (20.7 × 28.4 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1953
Accession Number
53.601.17(62)
Tags
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, where you'll find *The Sacrifice of Abel* (plate 1 from *The Story of Cain and Abel*), an exquisite engraving from 1576 Created through a collaboration between designer Michiel Coxie (I), engraver Johann Sadeler I, and publisher Gerard de Jode—all prominent figures in Antwerp's vibrant printmaking scene—this 8 1/8 × 11 3/16 in. sheet captures a pivotal biblical moment from Genesis. Abel kneels in prayer, offering a sheep as sacrifice, while his brother Cain watches nearby, foreshadowing their tragic rivalry. Engraving...